LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Articles from
Orange County Vision Specialist Dr. Mark Schneider

How To Choose A LASIK Surgeon
Mark Schneider, MD

Important Guidelines When Doing Your Research

1. Get referrals from other patients, friends, and family.
   
2. Beware of advertisements pushing "low cost" surgery. Discount surgery is just that. The quality of care and technology IS NOT the same. The potential savings are not worth the risk in receiving less than expert care.
   
3. Don't be fooled by fancy advertisements about a particular laser center. Investigate the doctor, not the center. Find out who will actually do your procedure, then ask about that particular doctor's qualifications. (board certification, specialized training, etc.)
   
4. How many actual LASIK procedures has the surgeon performed himself? Choose a doctor who has done at least 5,000 LASIK procedures.
   
5. Visit more than one center for a consultation.
   • Ask to meet the doctor.
   • Expect exceptional care and courtesy from the staff.
   • Is the doctor there full time, or does he travel from center to center? Is he readily available if you need to see him?
   • Does the center seem clean and organized?
   • Do they use the most current technology? Do some homework on procedures and technologies available.
6. The internet is a good source for research. You can get information on LASIK, various technologies, and even specific surgeons'accomplishments.
   
7. Ask what measures are taken to prevent infection. Look for a center with a sterile or dust free operating room. Be sure that disposable parts are NOT reused. Insist that instruments are thoroughly heat sterilized to prevent transmission of HIV or hepatitis, NOT just cold disinfected.
   
8. Expect to see very well after LASIK, but don't expect perfection. Every patient gets a slightly different result. The best surgeon in the world can not guarantee 20/20 vision. With today's technology and an experienced surgeon, the likelihood is very high. However, as with any surgery, results are as individual as the patient. Beware of any doctor who promises 20/20 vision.
   
9. While you investigate, don't lose sight of the benefits. For most people, a lifetime of poor vision can be cured in less than 10 minutes. LASIK surgery has improved the vision of millions of people around the world.
   

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